Volcano Tour with Private Lava Tube

Highlights

Fully experience the active Kilauea Volcano and Volcanoes National Park

See past lava flows, steaming vents, craters, & cinder cones

Explore a private lava tube exclusive to this tour

Expert guide will enlighten with geology, history, culture, and mythology

Includes meals, snacks, drinks, and variety of gear

Pickups from Kona and Waikoloa, including most major hotels

From $216 per adult

All Day

Duration 9.5 - 12 hours

Pricing & Availability

Overview

Fully experience the geological wonders and fascinating history of Big Island's volcano region with a full day exploring lava tubes, steaming vents, cinder cones, past lava flows, and much more.

In a small group and with highly knowledgeable local guides, this hands-on tour will teach you about the significant role of volcanoes in the Hawaiian Islands. You'll witness the massive Halemaumau Crater in Volcanoes National Park which collapsed in the 2018 eruption that made international headlines, and you'll learn about and see the effects of the power of nature creating and shaping Hawaii to the present. Based on the conditions of the day, the tour will select a 2-3 mile easy-to-moderate hike to explore the unique terrain of the active Kilauea volcano.

Although the famous Thurston Lava Tube in the Park is now closed, you'll depart the Park and enjoy exclusive access to a 35-foot-high lava tube on private property only accessible by this tour, seeing firsthand how rivers of lava would traverse the land during eruptions. After exploring the cavern, you'll enjoy some local appetizers and drinks, while reflecting on the tour and the volcano unveiled.

Continental breakfast, a deli lunch, afternoon appetizers, and snacks & drinks all day are included, as well as the $25 National Park entrance fee and a variety of gear as needed (walking sticks, day packs, warm wear, rain gear, flashlights/helmets for cave). Pick-ups are available from Waikoloa and Kona, saving you from driving the 4+ hours round-trip.

Booking Tip

Staying in Hilo or Volcano or coming in to Hilo by cruise ship or plane? In general, we recommend our Hilo Volcano Tour. If that tour does not fit your schedule or you prefer this tour, then we can arrange a pick-up at a meeting point between Hilo and Volcano around 10 am (drop-off around 4:30 pm). Please just make a note at checkout.

No availability? Please contact us so we can look into the possibility of adding a tour. Please include the # of people in your party and all possible dates that would work for you.

TravelShack's Choice

Why we recommend this option over others

The most reputable and longest running small group tour operator on the Big Island (almost 25 years)

Known for knowledgeable and professional guides, many with degrees in volcanology, geology, and biology

Exclusive access to lava tube you can walk through

Hikes to see unique sites beyond the busiest stops

Pick-up service includes Kona and Waikoloa

Comfortable van transport and maximum of only 14 people (often less)

Meals and snacks included

Traveler Reviews

TravelShack Customer rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

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Guidebook Reviews

Hawaii Big Island Revealed Guidebook:

If you had to name the one thing the Big Island is most famous for, it would undoubtedly be Kilauea Volcano. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the most fascinating place you may ever visit.

Lonely Planet Guidebook:

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: Hawaii’s Top 20

Top-notch ecotour outfitter with knowledgeable guides

Moon Guidebook:

A wonderful company with an excellent environmental ethic—the tours are highly recommended

Fodor's Guidebook:

If you do nothing else on the Big Island, do the volcano

Since 1993, this locally owned and operated outfit has built a reputation for outstanding nature tours and eco-adventures. Sustainability and cultural sensitivity is a company mission. They have access to thousands of acres of restricted or private lands and employ expert, certified guides who are entertaining and informative.